Breastfeeding helps newborns grow strong and stay healthy although millions of mother’s breastfeed worldwide, many people in the US still know very little about it.

Breast milk has antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby's chances of having asthma or allergies. Babies who are only breastfed for the first six months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and diarrhea.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only breastfeeding (without formula) for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for at least the rest of the baby’s first year or longer if possible. For more info on this, visit HERE.
• There are special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children that offer nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals and a variety of nutritious foods to low- income pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, infants and children up to the age of five to promote and  support good health. For more information on this program, visit HERE. 
•  Local organizations in our area help provide new moms with informational material as well as support for those who choose to breastfeed their child and might find it hard to do so. The Federal Government funds The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) local programs supported by WIC are located throughout the city to help moms with the support they need.
• Another organization that provides services internationally is La Leche League; La Leche League of New York is an affiliate of La Leche League International, a global organization of mothers who help other mother’s breastfeed successfully. For more information about this organization and for a location near you, CLICK HERE.

Here are some local organizations that help provide with information on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support near you:

Harlem Hospital WIC( Women, Infants, Children) Program

506 Lenox Avenue

Samuel Kountz Pavilion, Room 124

New York, NY 10037

Tel. 212-939-2730

For more information on this center and hours of operation, visit here.

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William F. Ryan Community Health Center

801 Amsterdam Avenue, 2nd Floor

New York, NY 10025

Tel. 212-865-0410

For more information on this center and hours of operation, visit here.

Breastfeeding is a key component for your baby’s health, but if unable to breastfeed formula is always a good option!